Founded in 2009, LambdaVision has developed a protein-coated implant that can be positioned behind the retina. The protein, bacteriorhodopsin, is light-activated and could potentially repair vision loss from diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

The money will help LambdaVision recruit commercialisation experts and pursue further research and development on its technology, which is currently in pre-clinical trials.

The business was spun out by Technology Commercialisation Services, UConn’s tech transfer office, and is based on research conducted in the Department of Chemistry by assistant research professor Nicole Wagner and professor emeritus Robert Birge.

LambdaVision has received $2.4m from state and federal government programs, including $1.5m in funding from Connecticut Innovations over four rounds, according to deals database Pitchbook.

Radenka Maric, vice president for research at University of Connecticut, said: “This university spinout is a prime example of the value UConn’s researchers provide for the state’s citizens and economy.

“We are thrilled to support these high-potential startups to propel UConn technologies from the lab to the clinic where they can have life-changing impacts for patients.”

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